Two Men Convicted of Murder in 2008 Robbery of Louisiana Tourist

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A jury found two San Francisco men guilty of murder today in connection with the 2008 robbery and fatal shooting of a Louisiana man visiting the city with friends, according to prosecutors.

William Jones, 25, and Lance Molina, 27, were both convicted of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, participation in a criminal street gang and three counts of robbery, prosecutors said. In addition, Jones, who prosecutors said fired the fatal shot, was found guilty of assault with a firearm and other related firearm charges.

The jury hung on charges against a third defendant, Maurice Lige, 22, and acquitted Ariel Kittles, 25, who had been accused of luring the victim and two others to the Bayview for the robbery.

The victim, Michael Bailey, 26, was a married father who was studying electrical engineering at Southern University in Baton Rouge and vacationing in San Francisco.

Bailey was with his cousin from Oakland and a friend who accompanied him from Louisiana when he met Kittles at the City Nights nightclub at 715 Harrison St. on Sept. 9, 2008.

Bailey and his companions offered to give Kittles a ride home after she said she lost her car keys.

She allegedly led them in their rental car to Doublerock Street in Hunters Point, just north of Candlestick Park, then left when a gunman approached the men and ordered them out of the car and onto the ground, prosecutors said.

A group, including juveniles, then robbed the men and the gunman hit one of Bailey’s companions with the gun.

When Bailey stood up to help, a quick conversation followed and he was shot in the head and killed, prosecutors said.

“A married father of two, who was simply trying to get two women home safely that night, was murdered in cold blood,” said District Attorney George Gascon. “I hope this verdict brings some peace to the victim’s family.”

Prosecutors said the case marks the first time a jury has convicted members of the “Double Rock” gang of participating in a street gang.

Sara Gaiser, Bay City News

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